The P pickup is the wrong way around!

[maxbass]

A plain Precision sound perfect as it is, there's no reason to change pickup's location.

On some P + J basses, they use the reverse P because it allows for a greater distance of the coils.
When the coils on the same string are too close (but not as close as on a MM style pckup) the sound is often odd, because with both pickups open, frequency cancellations/overlapping do occur.
I think that the first reverse pickup was used by Spector, 30 years ago

 

[RAM]

It is impossible for the Reverse P to give a more vintage vibe, because Vintage P's did not have it that way. If you like it, and think it sounds better, then great. There's some people who like better the classic position. You're trying to make it sound as if moving the pickup 10 centimeters will make a completely, improved and vast difference; it won't. It will certantly -slightly- change the sound, yes, but it's nothing you can't EQ.


Anyhow, it annoys me when people want to suggest Fender how to do things, and suggest every other company to do the same. Fenders offers a classic placement, Ibanez brings an alternative. That's why diversity exists. If you want a alternative P, buy the Ibanez, but if you just want Fender to change pickup placement, so you can have the logo in the neck, then I am afraid I find that silly.


Sorry if I sound like I'm attacking you; I'm not. It's just that people need to understand that there's a bass for everyone, and Fender doesn't have to be all.

Well, not exactly...pickup placement isn't something you can simply replicate with eq. You can add brightness or low-end thickness with eq, but it'll affect all strings, not just two. Also, where the magnets pick up the string vibrations in relation to the bridge can't be replicated by eq.

 

[NoTalentHack]

Holy crap! I was wondering why my fingers are hitting the D/G p'up on my P but not on my Ibanez. Now I know. I never realized they are opposite each other. Awfully darned observant of me.

Just to add, I hope I get used to where they are on the P because I've only had it a few weeks and man it is sweet.

 

[Jazzdogg]

Who makes a reverse-P/J 5-string without having to special order?

 

[IntrepidCellist]

Who makes a reverse-P/J 5-string without having to special order?

You can probably just use any standard 5-string P pickup and decide which section to put above the other...

After all, the two sections are independent movable sections, and I've seen people do some crazy things with the distance between two halves of a P-bass pickup, or putting both sections under a set of low strings on an extended-range instrument like Charlie Parker's 7- and 8-string monsters.

 

[Jazzdogg]

You can probably just use any standard 5-string P pickup and decide which section to put above the other...

After all, the two sections are independent movable sections, and I've seen people do some crazy things with the distance between two halves of a P-bass pickup, or putting both sections under a set of low strings on an extended-range instrument like Charlie Parker's 7- and 8-string monsters.

Wow! What an intriguing non-answer!

 

[billoetjen]

I used a reverse P arrangement in my fretless Warmoth P/J G4 body build, and I'm so glad I did. Really smoothes out the transition from A to the D string.

 

[Chowderboots]

Who makes a reverse-P/J 5-string without having to special order?

Jackson Concert V?

 

[funkout5]

does anyone make a PJ with a reversed P pup besides charvel, jackson, warwick, and ibanez?

 

[Jazzdogg]

Jackson Concert V?

Thanks!

 

[PhatBasstard]

does anyone make a PJ with a reversed P pup besides charvel, jackson, warwick, and ibanez?

Spector PJ's (the P) are reversed. Warwicks are because their "Streamer" has been copying the NS design for decades.

I have reversed the P on a couple of basses over the years and have always found it to be an improvement in overall string balance and tone, while still sounding like a P.